With the American presidential inauguration, it may well be that Canada will find itself with 25% tariffs on our U.S. exports. This has many concerned on both sides of the border.
Last week as we fasted and prayed for our nation, I was led to Genesis 26 where we find the story of Isaac and his relationship with the Philistine King, Abimelek. It was a difficult time, a time of famine, but two neighbours: Issac with his wealthy family, and Abimelek, made a peaceful treaty that resulted in blessing. As I read this, it seemed to me that this passage had similarities to U.S./Canadian history and indicated God’s intention for the future.
In verse 24, the Lord appears to Isaac and tells him, “Do not be afraid for I am with you; I will bless you.” Father, we take that for us!
King Abimelek says to Issac in vs 29, They answered, “We saw clearly that the Lord was with you; so we said, ‘There ought to be a sworn agreement between us’—between us and you. Let us make a treaty with you that you will do us no harm, just as we did not harm you but always treated you well and sent you away peacefully. And now you are blessed by the Lord.”
Just like Isaac and Abimelek, Canada and the U.S. have had treaties and not harmed one another, at least since 1812. Since that time, we have always treated each other well and have lived side by side peacefully. And both nations have been blessed as a result.
Isaac then made a feast for them, and they ate and drank. Early the next morning the men swore an oath to each other. Then Isaac sent them on their way, and they went away peacefully.
They swore an oath to each other, and they went away peacefully.
That day Isaac’s servants came and told him about the well they had dug. They said, “We’ve found water!”
As a result of the treaty, the Lord blessed them by finding water.
It is my prayer that Canada and the U.S. renew their peaceful treaties that will result in the blessing for both nations. Would you join me in praying this prayer?
Father, I thank you for the peaceful relations that we have had with our neighbour, the United States. Just as Issac and Abimelek had peaceful relations that resulted in blessing, would you renew peaceful relations with our neighbour, the United States? We bless our leaders and the leaders of the United States to make wise and just decisions that will result in your blessing on both nations. Amen.
